My scabs are healing nicely, which is good news because I have my 20-miler tomorrow. Which, by the way, I am very very nervous about. I am just not feeling it.
Two weeks ago, when I ran my 18-miler (when I showed up at Lunken thinking I was supposed to do a 20-miler) I was feeling really great. I was ready to take on an entire marathon. So I knew I could do it. This week I am just not looking forward to it.
The good news is that the weather is going to be perfect. I always run better in colder weather, so I have been waiting for this forever. I won't even know what to wear. Just kidding. I will pretty much dress like it is 90 degrees out. I heat up quickly.
I have been carb-loading all day...which was easy because I was in an all-day work session. They are always catered. And they ALWAYS have french bread. I took 4 slices. And I piled up my plate with tons of food. It kind of reminded me of Emilio Estevez's character in the Breakfast Club, when they all take out their lunches . The clients looked at me a little strangely but then one of my colleagues mentioned that I was a marathoner, and they were all like "ohhhhhh!" I am hoping we can go out for some pasta tonight!
I swear, eating is the best part of running!
Friday, September 14, 2007
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
BAD Run
It has been a long time since I have had a really bad run. Last night was terrible.
We had a negative split run starting from CrossRoads. It was a pretty simple route: Right on Madison, Left on Observatory for thirty minutes and then turn back.
I started out okay. But then my calves started to really tighten up. Especially the left one. I would stretch at the stop lights, which usually helps. This time it didn't. So I had to break off from my group to stop a little while later and stretch some more. It was like the muscles were not even pliable. They were just like rocks. It even hurt to stretch. I walked the rest of the way, to the top of Observatory and then turned around at 30 minutes to run back. The run back wasn't bad, but I think that is because it was all downhill. I felt like such a loser.
When I had hit Cincinnati Natural Foods my bandages from my thighs also came off, which kind of sucked. I didn't know if I should keep running or not. But I figured that my scabs (sorry, this is gross) were going to come off whether I was walking or running, so I might as well run.
I guess this was okay too. Because after reading about how to treat my chafing wounds online, I found out I was doing it a really bad, old-school first aid way (which was to let them air out, dry up and scab over). What you are supposed to do is keep the wound moist and covered and try not to let it scab over. Well, now my scabs were gone, and I could treat my wounds properly. (Come on, you know by now that you shouldn't be eating while you read my blog).
I was very perplexed about my calves. When I talked to my physical therapist this morning though, she said it just happens sometimes with people who run a lot. She said to make sure that I am properly hydrated (this might have been an issue...I had some salty pizza for lunch) and that I was stretching enough (which I thought I did).
They were still kind of tight at the physical therapy session, so I will have to be sure to stretch them out tonight.
Next up? I get to worry about my big 20-miler on Saturday!
We had a negative split run starting from CrossRoads. It was a pretty simple route: Right on Madison, Left on Observatory for thirty minutes and then turn back.
I started out okay. But then my calves started to really tighten up. Especially the left one. I would stretch at the stop lights, which usually helps. This time it didn't. So I had to break off from my group to stop a little while later and stretch some more. It was like the muscles were not even pliable. They were just like rocks. It even hurt to stretch. I walked the rest of the way, to the top of Observatory and then turned around at 30 minutes to run back. The run back wasn't bad, but I think that is because it was all downhill. I felt like such a loser.
When I had hit Cincinnati Natural Foods my bandages from my thighs also came off, which kind of sucked. I didn't know if I should keep running or not. But I figured that my scabs (sorry, this is gross) were going to come off whether I was walking or running, so I might as well run.
I guess this was okay too. Because after reading about how to treat my chafing wounds online, I found out I was doing it a really bad, old-school first aid way (which was to let them air out, dry up and scab over). What you are supposed to do is keep the wound moist and covered and try not to let it scab over. Well, now my scabs were gone, and I could treat my wounds properly. (Come on, you know by now that you shouldn't be eating while you read my blog).
I was very perplexed about my calves. When I talked to my physical therapist this morning though, she said it just happens sometimes with people who run a lot. She said to make sure that I am properly hydrated (this might have been an issue...I had some salty pizza for lunch) and that I was stretching enough (which I thought I did).
They were still kind of tight at the physical therapy session, so I will have to be sure to stretch them out tonight.
Next up? I get to worry about my big 20-miler on Saturday!
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
It's Official!
I got my marathon "confirmation ticket" in the mail yesterday for Chicago.
It is kind of funny because it is not really a "ticket" per se, but a program like you would get for going to a play. And there are sooo many rules! I was trying to read the book last night, but I couldn't concentrate on it because there was just so much information.
The big thing that stuck with me though was the "no ipod" rule. I am wondering how strict they really are on this. They had the same rule at the Flying Pig, but I saw plenty of people with ipods (myself included). The wording in the rules for Chicago seem stricter though. I figure that my skirt has an ipod pocket, so I can just stash it in there and then use it or not.
I was also very glad to hear that they DO have vanilla gels at the 17.5 mile. I, of course, will have my own stash, but it's just nice to know anyway.
I can't believe that it is less than a month away!
Tonight we do my least favorite thing: a negative split run. 30 minutes out and turn around to come back in less time. I stink at these, but I guess that just means I need to practice them :)
It is kind of funny because it is not really a "ticket" per se, but a program like you would get for going to a play. And there are sooo many rules! I was trying to read the book last night, but I couldn't concentrate on it because there was just so much information.
The big thing that stuck with me though was the "no ipod" rule. I am wondering how strict they really are on this. They had the same rule at the Flying Pig, but I saw plenty of people with ipods (myself included). The wording in the rules for Chicago seem stricter though. I figure that my skirt has an ipod pocket, so I can just stash it in there and then use it or not.
I was also very glad to hear that they DO have vanilla gels at the 17.5 mile. I, of course, will have my own stash, but it's just nice to know anyway.
I can't believe that it is less than a month away!
Tonight we do my least favorite thing: a negative split run. 30 minutes out and turn around to come back in less time. I stink at these, but I guess that just means I need to practice them :)
Monday, September 10, 2007
Race for the Cure
Sunday, my friends and I ran the Race for the Cure which was a 5k up in Mason.
I had to look like a dork, because I had to bandage up my nasty chafing accident . Well, and of course, when I walk I look like John Wayne.
I have decided that I really for real, do NOT like running 5ks. They always exhaust me. I was aiming for 10 minute miles since I have been training with 10:30 miles. I know that 5k is a lot shorter distance than what I am used to, but it is hard for me to switch between paces. Luckily, the sun was not out, so we weren’t baking on the course.
I took out the first mile at 9:03. But then of course I was starting to think “where is mile two…it has to be here somewhere?” I looked at my watch though, and unfortunately only 2 minutes had passed. Pttt.
It also stunk (quite literally) because the whole time I was running I would get this whiff of something like wet dog. Then I started to panic and wondered if it was me. But at the end of the race, the first thing my friend Malia said was “I was so grossed out because this girl I was running by smelled like wet dog the entire time.” I was not running next to Malia, so I was instantly relieved. Bill said he thought it was the sweatband he has to wear because of his laser eye surgery. So since we all smelled it, it must have been the trees or something. I don’t know. It HAD just rained.
We all did really well. Bill finished first (of course) with a 25 something, followed by me, with a 28:05. Maren kept a steady 10:30ish mile pace and Malia finished right under 33:00. We were all pretty happy. I was just glad that I could keep my 9 minute mile pace. It was exhausting.
The best part? IHOP afterwards! Mmmmmm, pancakes.
I had to look like a dork, because I had to bandage up my nasty chafing accident . Well, and of course, when I walk I look like John Wayne.
I have decided that I really for real, do NOT like running 5ks. They always exhaust me. I was aiming for 10 minute miles since I have been training with 10:30 miles. I know that 5k is a lot shorter distance than what I am used to, but it is hard for me to switch between paces. Luckily, the sun was not out, so we weren’t baking on the course.
I took out the first mile at 9:03. But then of course I was starting to think “where is mile two…it has to be here somewhere?” I looked at my watch though, and unfortunately only 2 minutes had passed. Pttt.
It also stunk (quite literally) because the whole time I was running I would get this whiff of something like wet dog. Then I started to panic and wondered if it was me. But at the end of the race, the first thing my friend Malia said was “I was so grossed out because this girl I was running by smelled like wet dog the entire time.” I was not running next to Malia, so I was instantly relieved. Bill said he thought it was the sweatband he has to wear because of his laser eye surgery. So since we all smelled it, it must have been the trees or something. I don’t know. It HAD just rained.
We all did really well. Bill finished first (of course) with a 25 something, followed by me, with a 28:05. Maren kept a steady 10:30ish mile pace and Malia finished right under 33:00. We were all pretty happy. I was just glad that I could keep my 9 minute mile pace. It was exhausting.
The best part? IHOP afterwards! Mmmmmm, pancakes.
What I Did For Love
Chafing.
I know. I am an idiot, merely because this has happened to me before and I should know better by now. And I DID put Body Glide on. Not between my thighs though, because I was wearing bike shorts. (I have really only had problems when I wear the shorts that swish between my legs). Well, I hope I learned my lesson this time. If I didn’t there is something wrong with me.
Saturday we had a 12 mile run. Madison, Observatory, Linwood, Delta (MOLD…that’s how I remembered it) Eastern and then picking up the Pig Course all the way back to the store. I felt burning the entire time I was running, but really, I thought it was just the scabs rubbing against each other from last time. Plus, when I checked at the water stop, my thighs looked fine.
I finished my run (pretty painfully), went upstairs at the Spot, stretched, looked at my legs…GROSSSSSSSS!!!! Blood was running down my legs and I had these huge, raised gashes on both sides. Not cool. I actually for real screamed in the shower, and I was NOT being a drama queen. It really hurt that badly. And I have a high tolerance for pain.
They look a lot better now, but are still pretty gross. They have that gross scabbiness on them, where the scabs start to change colors. It hurts to wear jeans but it is even WORSE wearing a skirt. I am using a LOT of Neosporin.
Oh. And I think I know WHY I have to use BodyGlide there now. My thighs have never really had the girth that they have now. So I’ve never had a problem with them rubbing up against each other when I run. At least that is what I am telling myself so that I can feel good about something (muscle gain) instead of focusing on my awful pain and gross inner thighs.
I do some pretty idiotic things to my body as a marathon runner.
I know. I am an idiot, merely because this has happened to me before and I should know better by now. And I DID put Body Glide on. Not between my thighs though, because I was wearing bike shorts. (I have really only had problems when I wear the shorts that swish between my legs). Well, I hope I learned my lesson this time. If I didn’t there is something wrong with me.
Saturday we had a 12 mile run. Madison, Observatory, Linwood, Delta (MOLD…that’s how I remembered it) Eastern and then picking up the Pig Course all the way back to the store. I felt burning the entire time I was running, but really, I thought it was just the scabs rubbing against each other from last time. Plus, when I checked at the water stop, my thighs looked fine.
I finished my run (pretty painfully), went upstairs at the Spot, stretched, looked at my legs…GROSSSSSSSS!!!! Blood was running down my legs and I had these huge, raised gashes on both sides. Not cool. I actually for real screamed in the shower, and I was NOT being a drama queen. It really hurt that badly. And I have a high tolerance for pain.
They look a lot better now, but are still pretty gross. They have that gross scabbiness on them, where the scabs start to change colors. It hurts to wear jeans but it is even WORSE wearing a skirt. I am using a LOT of Neosporin.
Oh. And I think I know WHY I have to use BodyGlide there now. My thighs have never really had the girth that they have now. So I’ve never had a problem with them rubbing up against each other when I run. At least that is what I am telling myself so that I can feel good about something (muscle gain) instead of focusing on my awful pain and gross inner thighs.
I do some pretty idiotic things to my body as a marathon runner.
Friday, September 7, 2007
Easy Day
Tomorrow I have an easy day and I am so glad, because tonight is our company outing and I want to make sure I can stay out late. I just have to make sure that I watch what I eat so that I don't have problems like last time. Looks like we are hitting Eastern again for a nice 12 miles. I almost feel like, 'what's the point?'. Just kidding. But 12 miles does seem really really light. Especially since we usually do a 10 or 12 mile loop and then add on from there.
What I'm most excited about (runningwise) this weekend though, is the Race for the Cure. It will be a good, fun way to do a recovery run. Plus, the course is completely flat. Last year, my friend Jen and I ran it and it was a lot of fun. Plus, it was just a very very inspirational race. I had just read Why I Wore Lipstick to my Mastectomy for my bookclub, so felt like I had a better understanding of what breast cancer survivors go through. It was really moving when at the beginning of the race, they had all of the survivors march in. There were so many of them!
Plus, I coerced all of my non-running friends to run again. Of course, this includes big plans for IHOP afterwards.
Which is good, because my tapeworm is back and I am eating like crazy. This does not bode well for my parents, who are having a cookout this weekend, but IHOP can be sure it will sure be making money on me.
This time though, its weird, because I am so hungry all the time, but I can't eat that much. I mean, like I will eat a burger and be so full that I can't finish my fries. But then, less than an hour later I am starving like I haven't eaten in an entire day. So I've been grazing like crazy.
Bill thinks its because my metabolism is fast but my stomach is small. Well, and of course all the calories I am now burning on my long runs. At any rate, I am not complaining because I LOVE to eat.
What I'm most excited about (runningwise) this weekend though, is the Race for the Cure. It will be a good, fun way to do a recovery run. Plus, the course is completely flat. Last year, my friend Jen and I ran it and it was a lot of fun. Plus, it was just a very very inspirational race. I had just read Why I Wore Lipstick to my Mastectomy for my bookclub, so felt like I had a better understanding of what breast cancer survivors go through. It was really moving when at the beginning of the race, they had all of the survivors march in. There were so many of them!
Plus, I coerced all of my non-running friends to run again. Of course, this includes big plans for IHOP afterwards.
Which is good, because my tapeworm is back and I am eating like crazy. This does not bode well for my parents, who are having a cookout this weekend, but IHOP can be sure it will sure be making money on me.
This time though, its weird, because I am so hungry all the time, but I can't eat that much. I mean, like I will eat a burger and be so full that I can't finish my fries. But then, less than an hour later I am starving like I haven't eaten in an entire day. So I've been grazing like crazy.
Bill thinks its because my metabolism is fast but my stomach is small. Well, and of course all the calories I am now burning on my long runs. At any rate, I am not complaining because I LOVE to eat.
Thursday, September 6, 2007
Physical Therapy
So, I don't know if I've written about this or not. So, sorry if I am repeating information.
Anyway, about a week and a half ago I went to the orthopaedic doctor to find out what was going on with my knee. Apparantly my left leg is more muscular that my right. Especially in the quads. I don't know how I didn't notice this before, because once it was pointed out to me I was like "whoa! There really is a huge difference!"
What the doctor didn't want to happen was muscular atrophy. He (luckily) also understood the importance of my training and the proximity of my marathon date. So, he put me into physical therapy 2x a week for 3 weeks. The goal is to build up the muscles in my right leg to match those in my left.
It's kind of a pain in the butt, but I do feel like it is helping. It is amazing how weak (at least in comparison to my left leg) my right leg is. The exercises (which include weight bearing lifts, stretching, balancing exercises etc) really do tire me out. But already I am seeing improvement.
Hopefully by the time of the marathon my right quad will be all bulky and manlike like my left quad is, and injury will be in my past!
Anyway, about a week and a half ago I went to the orthopaedic doctor to find out what was going on with my knee. Apparantly my left leg is more muscular that my right. Especially in the quads. I don't know how I didn't notice this before, because once it was pointed out to me I was like "whoa! There really is a huge difference!"
What the doctor didn't want to happen was muscular atrophy. He (luckily) also understood the importance of my training and the proximity of my marathon date. So, he put me into physical therapy 2x a week for 3 weeks. The goal is to build up the muscles in my right leg to match those in my left.
It's kind of a pain in the butt, but I do feel like it is helping. It is amazing how weak (at least in comparison to my left leg) my right leg is. The exercises (which include weight bearing lifts, stretching, balancing exercises etc) really do tire me out. But already I am seeing improvement.
Hopefully by the time of the marathon my right quad will be all bulky and manlike like my left quad is, and injury will be in my past!
Wednesday, September 5, 2007
The Eternal Question: OnBoard Nutrition
So. Lately I have been experimenting.
This is all because of a conversation I had with my marathon sub-group. We were trying to determine what was better: Gu or Shot Bloks. I was really touting the Shot Bloks. It seemed easy to me:
1. They taste like candy.
2. They are SOLID not GEL...so you don't have to GAG them down.
3. They are the same kind of energy as all of the gels.
Done.
I must admit that I actually did not have any experience with gels at all. I bought one a long time ago when I was training for the Pig. It was vanilla and it sat in the bottom of my running gear drawer for several months. I just could not come to grips with something so, well, gooey, going down my throat.
Lindsey had to question me on number three. She said that she didn't think anything could compare to gels because they just give you so much energy. Sarah agreed. She said her legs just kept going and going after she took one and she didn't know how.
Well, maybe I would have to try one. Especially since the Shot Bloks were giving me a bit of an acid reflux problem lately. So, 10 miles into my 16 miler a couple of weeks ago I grabbed a Clif Shot. It was apple pie. Well, it was supposed to be apple pie.
After taking 20 years to open it, I downed about half of it. Gagged. Gagged badly. It was sooooo gross. I couldn't even take the second half. I am one of those people who need the consistency to match the flavor and this wasn't doing it for me.
I DID however feel it kick in. Nothing as extreme as Sarah experienced, but I did have more energy.
So for my 18 miler I pulled the good old vanilla Gu out of the drawer. I was a little worried, because I was holding it as I ran my first ten miles. It was getting really warm. At our 5 mile water stop I stared at it for a really long time. Then I downed it. Gagged. Downed the rest. Proclaimed "hey, that one wasn't so bad!" Which made Lindsey laugh. "That wasn't so bad even though it made you gag?" Well, it wasn't as bad as the apple pie. At least it tasted like vanilla pudding which is kind of its consistency.
And I don't know. Maybe it really really worked. I had an awesome run and I DID feel like I had a ton of energy.
I don't know.
So what do you think: Gels or Bloks? (or gummy bears or jelly beans or Sports Beans?) Or anything else? How do you get your onboard nutrition?
This is all because of a conversation I had with my marathon sub-group. We were trying to determine what was better: Gu or Shot Bloks. I was really touting the Shot Bloks. It seemed easy to me:
1. They taste like candy.
2. They are SOLID not GEL...so you don't have to GAG them down.
3. They are the same kind of energy as all of the gels.
Done.
I must admit that I actually did not have any experience with gels at all. I bought one a long time ago when I was training for the Pig. It was vanilla and it sat in the bottom of my running gear drawer for several months. I just could not come to grips with something so, well, gooey, going down my throat.
Lindsey had to question me on number three. She said that she didn't think anything could compare to gels because they just give you so much energy. Sarah agreed. She said her legs just kept going and going after she took one and she didn't know how.
Well, maybe I would have to try one. Especially since the Shot Bloks were giving me a bit of an acid reflux problem lately. So, 10 miles into my 16 miler a couple of weeks ago I grabbed a Clif Shot. It was apple pie. Well, it was supposed to be apple pie.
After taking 20 years to open it, I downed about half of it. Gagged. Gagged badly. It was sooooo gross. I couldn't even take the second half. I am one of those people who need the consistency to match the flavor and this wasn't doing it for me.
I DID however feel it kick in. Nothing as extreme as Sarah experienced, but I did have more energy.
So for my 18 miler I pulled the good old vanilla Gu out of the drawer. I was a little worried, because I was holding it as I ran my first ten miles. It was getting really warm. At our 5 mile water stop I stared at it for a really long time. Then I downed it. Gagged. Downed the rest. Proclaimed "hey, that one wasn't so bad!" Which made Lindsey laugh. "That wasn't so bad even though it made you gag?" Well, it wasn't as bad as the apple pie. At least it tasted like vanilla pudding which is kind of its consistency.
And I don't know. Maybe it really really worked. I had an awesome run and I DID feel like I had a ton of energy.
I don't know.
So what do you think: Gels or Bloks? (or gummy bears or jelly beans or Sports Beans?) Or anything else? How do you get your onboard nutrition?
New List
I think I need to create a new list: Things I Know I CAN'T Eat Before Runs.
I'm sure a lot of it had to do with the heat. Last night we started at CrossRoads and ran our two usual miles to the Norwood track for Yasso 800s. The sun was just BEATING down. It reminded me of some of the scenes in Apocalypse Now. It was gross. Not to mention that it was 95 degrees out even though it was 6:30. I wasn't too worried because I know that the last time we did Yasso 800s it was also very hot.
Ugh. Wrong. It was awful. My stomach was not happy, and it was really impeding my performance. I started blaming my lunch (which was very good at the time). The culprit: Ranch dressing.Again. To be fair, I didn't know it would affect me if it was just the dressing on my sandwich. Last time I thought it was the entire salad that did it. Plus, this time I had about 5 and a half hours in between when I ate and when I ran.
Anyway, we got to the second repeat and my stomach contents started jumping up my throat. The third was worse. Plus, I felt like I really wanted to burp, but couldn't. It was awful.
This time my group was doing 6 repeats. This was not boding well for me.
It was sooooooo HOT.
I decided to take my shirt off and run in my sports bra and skirt. I usually don't do this because I am so self-conscious about my pooch. Yeah. I was too hot to care. And it DID make a huge difference.
By the end, things were getting a little better. At least I was able to pace really well. I can really feel what my pace should be now, and when I am off of it. I think that is great. I guess it just takes practice.
Apparantly the last repeat we decided to pick it up. I wasn't aware of this because of course, I had my headphones on. I kept thinking 'this seems awfully fast'. Then we passed our starting point and one of the guys shouted out "4:47!" OK. I didn't feel so bad. I was doing the rest of them at 5 minutes. :)
I'm sure a lot of it had to do with the heat. Last night we started at CrossRoads and ran our two usual miles to the Norwood track for Yasso 800s. The sun was just BEATING down. It reminded me of some of the scenes in Apocalypse Now. It was gross. Not to mention that it was 95 degrees out even though it was 6:30. I wasn't too worried because I know that the last time we did Yasso 800s it was also very hot.
Ugh. Wrong. It was awful. My stomach was not happy, and it was really impeding my performance. I started blaming my lunch (which was very good at the time). The culprit: Ranch dressing.Again. To be fair, I didn't know it would affect me if it was just the dressing on my sandwich. Last time I thought it was the entire salad that did it. Plus, this time I had about 5 and a half hours in between when I ate and when I ran.
Anyway, we got to the second repeat and my stomach contents started jumping up my throat. The third was worse. Plus, I felt like I really wanted to burp, but couldn't. It was awful.
This time my group was doing 6 repeats. This was not boding well for me.
It was sooooooo HOT.
I decided to take my shirt off and run in my sports bra and skirt. I usually don't do this because I am so self-conscious about my pooch. Yeah. I was too hot to care. And it DID make a huge difference.
By the end, things were getting a little better. At least I was able to pace really well. I can really feel what my pace should be now, and when I am off of it. I think that is great. I guess it just takes practice.
Apparantly the last repeat we decided to pick it up. I wasn't aware of this because of course, I had my headphones on. I kept thinking 'this seems awfully fast'. Then we passed our starting point and one of the guys shouted out "4:47!" OK. I didn't feel so bad. I was doing the rest of them at 5 minutes. :)
Tuesday, September 4, 2007
Despite Eastern...
OK. So we all know how much I hate running on eastern. So I was not exactly ecstatic when for my 18 mile run this weekend 10 of those miles were on Eastern. Luckily, it was not very hot (since there is basically not a lot of shade). The next 8 miles of the run was around the Lunken Airport bike trail. I don’t know which one is worse!
Despite all of this, I was feeling pretty good when I woke up. I met up with my fellow Chicago group (there are about 5 of us in the group that are running Chicago and we are all around the same pace.) Saturday we were light, because of vacations…there were only 3 of us. Anyway, I felt like we were kind of taking it out a little fast. Especially since I REALLY have to get into a groove on Eastern since it is sooooooo BORING. I was a little worried.
Our first mile was 10:16. Our next was 10:11. This was not boding well because we all try to keep our splits between 10:30 and 11:00.
We got back on track with the next one, with a 10:23. I was starting to feel really great. Our first five we finished at 51:00.
After turning around at Montgomery Inn, I felt super powerful. Maybe it was the disgusting Gu that I gagged down.
I broke away from the group. I knew that I would probably poop out in the last few miles, but I wanted to test it. I figured, maybe I CAN run a 10-10:15 minute mile pace the whole time. No better time to test it in a long run. My splits were getting super fast (for me). 10:00. 9:50!!!
Then they started to drop back. I was back to my normal 10:22s and 10:39s. Even a 10:50.
BUT the slowest split I had was 12:00 (that was my 18th mile). So, I KNOW that I can’t really take all of my mileage at 10:00, because I would die at the end. But I do know that if I’m feeling good, its ok to do a few miles at sub 10:30. That made me feel pretty good about my training!
Despite all of this, I was feeling pretty good when I woke up. I met up with my fellow Chicago group (there are about 5 of us in the group that are running Chicago and we are all around the same pace.) Saturday we were light, because of vacations…there were only 3 of us. Anyway, I felt like we were kind of taking it out a little fast. Especially since I REALLY have to get into a groove on Eastern since it is sooooooo BORING. I was a little worried.
Our first mile was 10:16. Our next was 10:11. This was not boding well because we all try to keep our splits between 10:30 and 11:00.
We got back on track with the next one, with a 10:23. I was starting to feel really great. Our first five we finished at 51:00.
After turning around at Montgomery Inn, I felt super powerful. Maybe it was the disgusting Gu that I gagged down.
I broke away from the group. I knew that I would probably poop out in the last few miles, but I wanted to test it. I figured, maybe I CAN run a 10-10:15 minute mile pace the whole time. No better time to test it in a long run. My splits were getting super fast (for me). 10:00. 9:50!!!
Then they started to drop back. I was back to my normal 10:22s and 10:39s. Even a 10:50.
BUT the slowest split I had was 12:00 (that was my 18th mile). So, I KNOW that I can’t really take all of my mileage at 10:00, because I would die at the end. But I do know that if I’m feeling good, its ok to do a few miles at sub 10:30. That made me feel pretty good about my training!
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Blessing in Disguise
OK. So my knee REALLY hurt this morning.
I can't imagine what it would have felt like if I had run the hill repeats last night.
So maybe working late was a blessing in disguise. Maybe.
I mean, I still didn't like it.
It looks like ice is going to be my best friend for awhile, as well as IBProfrin. The doctor said that I should take 4 pills of the OTC kind twice a day. He said on Saturday, since I am doing 20 miles, I can do 4 pills three times a day. I guess I won't be drinking on Saturday then :) I mean, I would like to have a liver. The doctor also said that my knee SHOULDN'T hurt, but the reason it does is because it is still inflamed. I am going to take it easy.
I am really looking forward to the 20-miler. Not so much the actual run, but the way it makes me feel afterwards. Last time I did a 20-miler I hopped on a plane to England for 9 weeks and had to do the rest of my training in isolation. This time I will be able to taper with the group. Hurrah! That should be nice.
I can't imagine what it would have felt like if I had run the hill repeats last night.
So maybe working late was a blessing in disguise. Maybe.
I mean, I still didn't like it.
It looks like ice is going to be my best friend for awhile, as well as IBProfrin. The doctor said that I should take 4 pills of the OTC kind twice a day. He said on Saturday, since I am doing 20 miles, I can do 4 pills three times a day. I guess I won't be drinking on Saturday then :) I mean, I would like to have a liver. The doctor also said that my knee SHOULDN'T hurt, but the reason it does is because it is still inflamed. I am going to take it easy.
I am really looking forward to the 20-miler. Not so much the actual run, but the way it makes me feel afterwards. Last time I did a 20-miler I hopped on a plane to England for 9 weeks and had to do the rest of my training in isolation. This time I will be able to taper with the group. Hurrah! That should be nice.
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
RANTERGRRRL
GRRRRR! GRRRRR! GRRRRR!
I had always promised myself that I would not be one to let work interfere with my life, but I guess I was wrong. That is why I am writing this post right now instead of doing hill repeats with the rest of my group.
This is ridiculous!
I put in 15 hours yesterday at work and it looks like I am going to do that again tonight. I would MUCH rather be running. ESPECIALLY since running gets all of that cortisol out of your system, which I am very sure I have a lot of right now. Luckily I got a laptop from the tech department so that I can do the work at home.
Anyway. Enough of that.
I went to the orthopaedic guy today to check out my knee (I had booked the appointment a long time ago, and decided to keep it). They did an x-ray of my knee and then the doctor pointed out something I never noticed. My left leg is much more muscular than my right. Which of course is why I have knee problems on my right. He said it is a vicious cycle, and until I develop my right leg to be as muscular as my left, I will continue to have problems. He put me into physical therapy twice a week for 4 weeks and then wants to see me again.
The good news is that I can do my 20 this weekend.
The bad news is that it is at Lunken which means 4 laps of flat flat course. BORING!!!!
OK. Well, back to work. Lucky me.
I had always promised myself that I would not be one to let work interfere with my life, but I guess I was wrong. That is why I am writing this post right now instead of doing hill repeats with the rest of my group.
This is ridiculous!
I put in 15 hours yesterday at work and it looks like I am going to do that again tonight. I would MUCH rather be running. ESPECIALLY since running gets all of that cortisol out of your system, which I am very sure I have a lot of right now. Luckily I got a laptop from the tech department so that I can do the work at home.
Anyway. Enough of that.
I went to the orthopaedic guy today to check out my knee (I had booked the appointment a long time ago, and decided to keep it). They did an x-ray of my knee and then the doctor pointed out something I never noticed. My left leg is much more muscular than my right. Which of course is why I have knee problems on my right. He said it is a vicious cycle, and until I develop my right leg to be as muscular as my left, I will continue to have problems. He put me into physical therapy twice a week for 4 weeks and then wants to see me again.
The good news is that I can do my 20 this weekend.
The bad news is that it is at Lunken which means 4 laps of flat flat course. BORING!!!!
OK. Well, back to work. Lucky me.
Monday, August 27, 2007
Partying Friday = Yuck
I don't know if I am just getting used to the heat, or if it really wasn't as bad as it usually is...but my run on Saturday was not all that bad heatwise. However, I will NOT party on Friday night before a long run any more.
My friend was celebrating her birthday and I really really tried to party in moderation. I only had two beers at the baseball game we went to. I drank lots of water at the bar afterwards (yeah, the Hofbrauhaus is a LOT less fun if you don't drink). I think it was the greasy food that did me in. For dinner I had a hot dog and an entire basket of waffle fries with nacho cheese. After the first couple, they didn't even taste that great, but that didn't stop me from finishing off the whole basket. Plus, any peanuts I had during the game. And afterwards we ended up staying at the bar until 1:30 instead of the midnight time I had planned.
So four hours of sleep later, I was not feeling so hot.
The first 8 miles were torture. I made sure I hydrated at every single water fountain. My stomach did NOT feel good. Then, I got my second wind and completed the first 10 mile loop with no problem except for being super tired. I didn't really want to do six more miles.
But I sucked it up. I think at this point, I was one of maybe 5 runners who were still running. All the fast people were almost done, some people only did 10, and the turnout was pretty low Saturday anyway, because a lot of people went down to Louisville to watch the Iron Man.
So I had a solo run. It was really really difficult to make myself do the whole six miles, because there was a turnaround along the way for 12 and 14. But I did it. I knew I would be mad at myself if I didn't. And I was not going to let partying on Friday be my excuse.
But I am NOT eating crappy food anymore on Fridays. Or, I guess, not getting home until 2am.
Lesson learned.
My friend was celebrating her birthday and I really really tried to party in moderation. I only had two beers at the baseball game we went to. I drank lots of water at the bar afterwards (yeah, the Hofbrauhaus is a LOT less fun if you don't drink). I think it was the greasy food that did me in. For dinner I had a hot dog and an entire basket of waffle fries with nacho cheese. After the first couple, they didn't even taste that great, but that didn't stop me from finishing off the whole basket. Plus, any peanuts I had during the game. And afterwards we ended up staying at the bar until 1:30 instead of the midnight time I had planned.
So four hours of sleep later, I was not feeling so hot.
The first 8 miles were torture. I made sure I hydrated at every single water fountain. My stomach did NOT feel good. Then, I got my second wind and completed the first 10 mile loop with no problem except for being super tired. I didn't really want to do six more miles.
But I sucked it up. I think at this point, I was one of maybe 5 runners who were still running. All the fast people were almost done, some people only did 10, and the turnout was pretty low Saturday anyway, because a lot of people went down to Louisville to watch the Iron Man.
So I had a solo run. It was really really difficult to make myself do the whole six miles, because there was a turnaround along the way for 12 and 14. But I did it. I knew I would be mad at myself if I didn't. And I was not going to let partying on Friday be my excuse.
But I am NOT eating crappy food anymore on Fridays. Or, I guess, not getting home until 2am.
Lesson learned.
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Seriously!
It is never a good thing when your coach's email to you is titled "Luck Runs Out". Yes, he was speaking of the weather, which I often do in my blog. It is supposed to be 91 degrees on Saturday with tons of humidity. It is also a 17 mile run for me. Yuck. I will start hydrating NOW.
I must say, I am getting used to running in this heat. But I do hate all of the sweat. It is really really gross.
Anyway, on a completely different subject...Sometimes I have to laugh at people when I am running with the group because I think we overwhelm onlookers. I mean, I guess it is kind of funny. You're walking out of Dewey's Pizza to your car on Oakley Square and ZAM a big rush of 100+ runners comes by. Or, you're on a little side street in your car, trying to turn right and ZOW an endless line of runners. Everyone always looks like they are just waiting for the camera crew from Candid Camera to come out from around the corner.
It was really crazy this one time when we were running in Oakley Square and I saw 4 people I knew! One was my swimteam coach from high school who I didn't even know still lived in Cincinnati. Another was my friend Carrie, who now lives in London. When I visited with her a few months ago I asked her if it was really her that I saw. She said it was, and she was totally taken aback, like 'where did all of these people come from?'
But the worst was last week when we were doing fartleks in International Friendship Park. We had to pass by everyone eating at Montgomery Inn. Everyone was staring at us as we passed by, and it was worse because we had to do two loops, so we passed them four times. But instead of feeling like I wanted to laugh, I just felt like I wanted their steak dinners. :)
I must say, I am getting used to running in this heat. But I do hate all of the sweat. It is really really gross.
Anyway, on a completely different subject...Sometimes I have to laugh at people when I am running with the group because I think we overwhelm onlookers. I mean, I guess it is kind of funny. You're walking out of Dewey's Pizza to your car on Oakley Square and ZAM a big rush of 100+ runners comes by. Or, you're on a little side street in your car, trying to turn right and ZOW an endless line of runners. Everyone always looks like they are just waiting for the camera crew from Candid Camera to come out from around the corner.
It was really crazy this one time when we were running in Oakley Square and I saw 4 people I knew! One was my swimteam coach from high school who I didn't even know still lived in Cincinnati. Another was my friend Carrie, who now lives in London. When I visited with her a few months ago I asked her if it was really her that I saw. She said it was, and she was totally taken aback, like 'where did all of these people come from?'
But the worst was last week when we were doing fartleks in International Friendship Park. We had to pass by everyone eating at Montgomery Inn. Everyone was staring at us as we passed by, and it was worse because we had to do two loops, so we passed them four times. But instead of feeling like I wanted to laugh, I just felt like I wanted their steak dinners. :)
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